Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, a U.S. Olympian who leads the team in average ice time per game, suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament of the knee due to a Friday hit and will miss three to five weeks, the Ducks announced Wednesday.

Fowler, 22, suffered the injury Friday night when he was hit along the boards by Colorado forward Patrick Bordeleau. The team was hopeful before he underwent a Tuesday MRI that he would only be sidelined for a minimal period.

Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau declined to comment about the injury after Wednesday’s practice in Anaheim.

Fowler has six goals and 30 assists for the Ducks (45-17-7), who play at Pacific Division co-leader San Jose on Thursday.

If Fowler were to be out a full five weeks, he would return during the first round of the NHL playoffs.